The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has issued an ultimatum to the Congress, threatening to push for its removal from the INDIA alliance if action is not taken against Delhi Congress leader Ajay Maken. The move highlights deepening tensions within the opposition bloc as AAP accuses the Congress of aligning with the BJP to undermine its position in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
AAP leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, accused Ajay Maken of targeting AAP at the behest of the BJP. They took strong exception to Maken allegedly calling AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal “anti-national.”
“Ajay Maken’s statements align with the BJP’s agenda. He crossed all limits by labeling Kejriwal anti-national. This is unacceptable, especially when AAP has consistently supported Congress on critical issues in Parliament,” said Sanjay Singh.
Chief Minister Atishi also alleged that Congress’s actions suggest an implicit alliance with the BJP, particularly in targeting AAP leaders.
A History of Strained Relations
While AAP and Congress are part of the INDIA alliance aimed at challenging the BJP in the 2024 general elections, their relationship has remained fraught, particularly in Delhi and Punjab. The two parties contested the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi together but failed to secure a single seat, as the BJP swept all seven constituencies.
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In Delhi, the rivalry stems from AAP unseating the Congress after a 15-year rule, with Kejriwal replacing Sheila Dikshit as Chief Minister.
Congress Fires Back
Delhi Congress recently released a 12-point “white paper,” criticizing both AAP and the BJP for mismanagement of pollution, civic issues, and law and order in the capital. Ajay Maken accused Kejriwal of failing to deliver on the promises made during the anti-corruption movement, particularly the establishment of a Janlokpal.
“If anyone is the king of fraud in the country, it is Kejriwal,” Maken remarked, coining the term “Farziwal” to describe the Delhi Chief Minister.
AAP’s Ultimatum
Sanjay Singh demanded the Congress act against Maken within 24 hours or face the consequences. “We will approach INDIA alliance partners to seek Congress’s removal from the bloc,” he warned.
The escalating feud raises questions about the cohesion of the INDIA alliance, which was formed to present a united front against the BJP in the upcoming general elections. The rift, if unresolved, could weaken the opposition’s efforts to counter the ruling party’s dominance.
As the Delhi elections approach, this infighting may have significant repercussions on the opposition’s strategy and unity.
